The face of academics is changing, and the style books are doing their best to keep up with the times. Here are some tips for those referencing “non-traditional” sources in their midterms: Tweets MLA is the only style book that’s…
Category: Lessons and Guides
Transition Words and Phrases
So you have a thesis. (Kudos.) You’ve even figured out the main points you’re going to use to argue your thesis. And in what order you’re going to use them. (Double kudos.) Pleased with yourself, you sit down to write…
How to Write a Cover Letter
The unexpectedly warm weather this week is as good a reminder as any that summer is going to be here before we know it. Even though it is still early, it’s a good idea to start getting job and internship…
[FYW] Scheduling a writing-filled semester
When I first discovered Wesmaps before my freshman year, I spent three hours clicking through the site in a frantic haze before I had to drag myself away. I was overwhelmed: not only were there an extraordinary number of courses…
Grammar Tips from a Sage Tutor
In editing my own work and in looking over many essays by other students as a Workshop tutor, I’ve noticed a few grammar errors that are especially pervasive. Based on my observations, I’ve recognized consistent mistakes in regards to plural agreement,…
Detangle the Dangle: How to Avoid Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers
In editing my own work and in looking over many essays by other students, I have noticed that misplaced and dangling modifiers are among the most pervasive of grammar errors. This post will provide an uncomplicated guide to staying away…
Good Grammar for Dummies: Quick tips to help you improve your writing anytime, anywhere
When you’re done writing a draft, the task of editing your grammar can be daunting—but it’s still critical! While you may no longer get “points off” for grammar mistakes, poor grammar can make your writing hard, or downright impossible, to understand.…
Reading as Hunting: Chase, Don’t Search, for Prey!
Imagine two different scenarios: In the first, it’s a stormy afternoon and you decide to spend the day with a nonfiction book. You pick one up that looks appealing, curl up in one of the Olin armchairs, and begin reading,…
A Screenwriting Thesis (Statement)
“Ultimately, I will investigate how this strategy allows Hitchcock to manipulate his second audience more precisely, having learned to give viewers their clues directly from his control of sound and image, rather than filtering his communication through the less easily…
Grammar: i.e. versus e.g.
What’s the difference, you ask? The distinction may be slight, but it’s also significant: these abbreviations are absolutely not interchangeable. Blindly using one in place of the other creates a nasty blemish on an otherwise stellar piece of writing. To…